Rivalry steps up a notch when Sydney Swans play Melbourne Demons

In 1997, then Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett described Sydney’s new Star Casino as “an RSL on steroids”.

It was a classic Kennett slap-down.

But it was also indicative of one of the greatest rivalries on the planet.

Melbourne versus Sydney, and tonight at the MCG (which just so happens to be the greatest sporting venue in Australia!) that rivalry is renewed.

Melbourne versus Sydney.

Rewind a month or so and this match would’ve battled to attract much interest at all, let alone a decent crowd.

But given the audacious bid by both these teams to create some sort of a football fairytale and smash their way into September, the game has now taken on ‘match of the round’ status and a crowd of around 65,000 is being tipped.

Heading into tonight, the Swans are just one game outside the top eight.